Upcycle Old Items Into Charming Garden Decor
Upcycling old items into charming decor is an easy, budget-friendly way to give your garden a boost of character.
Dig through your attic or garage and pull out any vintage containers, like metal buckets, wooden crates, or enamel pots. Clean them up and fill them with potting soil and flowers for an instant cottage garden vibe. Or turn a chipped teapot into a quirky planter – just make a few drainage holes in the bottom first.
Did you get an old wheelbarrow collecting dust? Fill it with a potting mix and vibrant blooms for a cheery welcome by your front door. An antique ladder also makes a great trellis for climbing vines and flowers. Secure it in place and watch the greenery grow.
String up some empty tin cans, glass bottles, or mason jars from tree branches or fences for a whimsical, recycled wind chime. Or create garden markers from found sticks, etching plant names into them with a knife.
With some imagination, anything is possible. An old bicycle can become a focal point for flowers and vines, and a rusty bed frame is a perfect pedestal for an herb garden. Get creative combing your yard for inspiration. The result will be a garden filled with charming decor and memories of the past.
Upcycling old items into planters, trellises, chimes, and garden markers is an easy, budget-friendly way to give your outdoor space loads of character and style. Raid your attic or garage and put your imagination to work. The possibilities for creating a garden wonderland are endless!
Build a Mini Water Feature From Household Materials
Want to add a whimsical garden feature without spending a fortune? You can easily build your mini water feature using materials you already have.
Gather Your Supplies
Round up a large container like a galvanized tub, bucket or planter, rocks or stones, a small submersible fountain pump, plastic tubing, and a few household essentials. You’ll also want plants that do well in damp soil like ferns, mosses, and succulents.
Create Your Base
Place 3 to 4 inches of rocks, stones, or pebbles in the bottom of your container to weigh it down, allow for water circulation, and provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Top with a layer of activated charcoal to keep the water clear.
Add the Pump
Attach one end of the plastic tubing to the outlet of your fountain pump and thread the other end up through the center of your container, securing it in place with rocks. Place the pump in the center of your container.
Decorate and Plant
Arrange your plants around the tubing and pump, then fill in any open spots with more rocks and stones. Add water until it’s about 1 inch below the top of the container. Flip the pump on, and voila! The soothing sound of trickling water will instantly transform your space.
With some basic materials and a little DIY spirit, you can craft an enchanting mini water feature to enjoy all season long. The possibilities are endless, so get creative! A DIY water feature makes a wonderful focal point that will delight your senses and turn your garden into a peaceful retreat.
Refresh Wooden Furniture Into Stylish Planters
One of the easiest DIY projects you can do this season is to turn old wooden furniture like chairs, tables, dressers, or cabinets into stylish planters. All you need are some leftover pieces of wood, plants, soil, and a few basic tools.
Supplies
To get started, gather some weathered wooden furniture, boards, or crates, and your choice of plants. You’ll also need potting soil or compost, a drill or saw, and waterproof wood sealant (optional). If your wood has been treated, line the inside with plastic sheeting before adding soil.
Prepare the Wood
Decide if you want to use the furniture as-is or modify it. You may want to remove legs, backs, or sides for easier access. Sand down any rough edges. Apply a coat of sealant to help the wood last longer outdoors, if desired. Drill drainage holes in the bottom and sides.
Add Soil and Plants
Add a layer of gravel, stones, or broken pottery shards to the bottom of your planter for drainage. Then fill it about 2/3 full with potting soil or compost. Place your plants and fill in any gaps around the roots with more soil. Water thoroughly after planting and place your new planter in a spot with the proper sun exposure for your plants.
Ongoing Care
Check your plants regularly and water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Fertilize during the growing season. Re-seal the wood every year or two to protect it from weathering. At the end of the season, you can overwinter more tender plants indoors before replanting next spring.
With some leftover wood and a little DIY spirit, you can create one-of-a-kind planters to showcase your favorite flowers, herbs, or succulents this season. Your garden will be bursting with rustic charm in no time!
Design a Whimsical Stepping Stone Pathway
One of the simplest DIY projects you can do to add whimsy to your garden is creating a stepping-stone pathway. All you need are some stones, cement, and your imagination.
Gather Your Supplies
For this project, you’ll need:
- Smooth, flat stones (at least 3-4 inches in diameter)
- Quick-setting cement (also called quick-create)
- A mold for the stones (you can use cake pans, planters, or make a wooden frame)
- Sealer (optional, helps protect stones)
- Decorations for the stones like sea shells, tiles, beads, or stained glass (optional)
Make the Stepping Stones
- Clean and dry your stones thoroughly. This will help the cement adhere better.
- Mix the quick-setting cement according to the package directions. The consistency should be thick and pasty.
- Place your molds on a level surface in your yard, spacing them appropriately for your pathway. Pack some of the cement into each mold.
- Press your stones into the cement so half the stone is submerged. Add more cement around the edges of each stone to secure it in place.
- Let the stones dry as directed, usually 3 to 5 days. Then you can seal them with concrete sealer for protection.
- Once dry, you can also embellish your stones by gluing on tiles, sea shells, or beads for more whimsical stepping stones.
Create Your Pathway
Arrange your stepping stones on the ground to create a winding path in your garden. Space the stones about 2 to 3 feet apart. Level each stone and pack soil or sand around the edges to secure them in place.
Your whimsical garden pathway is now ready for exploring. Let your creativity run wild – you can make the path curve around trees and bushes for a more natural look. Stepping stone pathways add wonder and whimsy to any garden. Happy trails!
